Dr. Judith M. Ryan, associate professor of New Testament at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology at St. Mary's Seminary, passed away on Dec. 27.

Born on April 5, 1952, Ryan was originally from Brooklyn, New York, and was most recently a resident of Sugar Land. She taught at St. Mary’s Seminary for the last seven years. After an initial degree in the biological sciences, Ryan went on to complete a PhD in Theology. She was a well established and respected author in her field, recently completing a commentary on St. Paul 's Letter to Philemon which she co-authored with her friend Dr. Bonnie Thurston in 2006. In addition to courses on both the Old and New Testament, Ryan also taught homiletics, Roman Catholic Social Teaching and Spirituality to both lay students, seminarians and those studying for the permanent diaconate.

“Judy was a kind and generous woman who was always available for her students,” said School of Theology Dean Dr. Sandra Magie. “We will miss her very much.”

Ryan was a frequent instructor at parishes throughout the Galveston-Houston area as well as a guest speaker at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. She previously taught at Catholic University of America, Fordham University, New York University, the University of Scranton, College Misericordia, and St. Mary's Seminary and University, Baltimore, Maryland.

“Dr. Ryan's enthusiasm and knowledge of her faith continually inspired me throughout my studies at the seminary at St. Mary's,” said Cindy Kempf. “She had the gift of creating a warm atmosphere where all questions could be raised. No doubt she is enjoying the Kingdom of God, of which she so often spoke.”

Read her eulogy written by Dr. Larry DiPaolo, associate dean of the St. Mary's School of Theology.

Visitation was held at Earthman Southwest Funeral Home on Dec. 29. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Laurence Catholic Church on Dec. 30.

Students from the University of St. Thomas Carol and Odis Peavy School of Nursing parti...

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